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MLK Day of Service

Group of 3 women participating in MLK Day of Service
Young girl making a blanket at MLK Day of Service event
MLK Day of Service logo
Group of young adults participating in MLK Day of Service event
People participating in MLK Day of Service

This national holiday aims to transform Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s teachings into individual and community action, working towards his vision of a beloved community. Volunteer Arlington honors this day by connecting individuals of all ages across Arlington and Northern Virginia to engage in meaningful service.

Save the date: Monday, January 18, 2027

Beloved Community Award

At our MLK Day of Service opening program, we present our annual Beloved Community Award to recognize an exemplary leader who has embodied Dr. King’s vision of building a “beloved community.” 

Nominations for the 2027 award are due by Wednesday, December 2, 2026. 

2026 Event details

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a variety of service projects on Monday, January 19, 2026, including the opening program at Washington-Liberty High School.

Date: Monday, January 19, 2026

Location: Washington-Liberty High School (1301 N. Stafford St. Arlington, enter through door #1 on the N. Stafford St. side of the building) and additional locations

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Schedule:

  • 8:30 a.m.: Check in, volunteer fair, and photo booth opportunities begin at Washington-Liberty High School. The first 1,000 people to check in will receive a free MLK Day of Service t-shirt.
  • 9:00 a.m.: Opening program at Washington-Liberty High School and the presentation of the 2026 Beloved Community Award
  • 9:30 a.m.: Transition time to projects and travel to off-site locations (if necessary)
  • 9:45 a.m.: Projects begin at Volunteer Arlington site (W-L)
  • 10:00 a.m.: Projects begin at off-site locations and virtual projects
  • 12:00 p.m.: Projects conclude (time may vary)

Parking at Washington-Liberty High School: Parking is available on the street and in the I-66 parking garage located beside Washington-Liberty.

Accessibility questions: Contact Brenda Nardone.

FAQs

Each person in a group that wants to participate in MLK Day of Service needs to register for the opportunity. For opportunities that welcome children, adults may register up to two children per account. Anyone age 13 and older should create their own account to register.

Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. The first 1,000 people to arrive will receive a free t-shirt. You can participate in our volunteer fair and photobooth opportunities prior to the opening program starting at 9:00 a.m.

Yes, each person that wants to participate in MLK Day of Service needs to register. This helps us track the capacity for each opportunity. Adults may register up to two children per account.

No food or drinks will be provided. You are welcome to bring a water bottle. No food or drink is allowed in the auditorium.

If there is inclement weather that impacts the event, we will post updates on this page by 6:00 a.m. on Monday, January 19.

2026 Sponsors

Lead Sponsors

Inspiring Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

Affordable Homes & Communities

Arlington Public Schools

Searle Business Solutions, LLC

If you are interested in sponsoring the 2026 MLK Day of Service, please review the sponsorship packages.

2025 MLK Day of Service

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Saturday, January 18, 2025 for our 8th Annual MLK Day of Service. Watch the video below to see highlights from the 2024 event.

The MLK Day of Service event is hosted by Volunteer Arlington, a public-private partnership between the Leadership Center of Arlington and Arlington County.